Associate Scientist

MRIGlobal is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Integrated Health Surveillance & Diagnostics Business Unit as an Associate Scientist in the Research & Development group. This position is on-site at our headquarters in Kansas City, MO. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team supporting diagnostic device testing and evaluation, product development, and other tasks to support molecular biology laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in molecular biology or microbiology with industry or CRO experience in molecular assay testing and troubleshooting.

Principal Accountabilities and Success Factors

The Associate Scientist will provide technical support for assay development, testing and evaluation, troubleshooting, and data analysis. The role requires a strong foundation in biological assays and techniques, agile work prioritization skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Successful candidates will demonstrate scientific rigor, adaptability, and the ability to contribute to a dynamic environment of programs and client-led deliverables.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform routine testing and evaluation to meet FDA or other regulatory body requirements for candidate diagnostic devices.
• Design and execute experiments to support products in mid-to-late technology readiness levels, including prototypes and finished products.
• Safely handle potentially infectious samples according to regulatory guidance and internal safety SOPs.
• Contribute to a safe and compliant workplace through routine maintenance of laboratories and equipment, updating safety procedures, and documenting challenges for continuous improvement.
• Work with Technical Leads and Project Managers to ensure timely delivery of client deliverables.
• Prepare laboratory procedures and data collection sheets.
• Contribute to analytical data deliverables and reports.
• Prepare data summaries and present to internal audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or related field of biological sciences plus 3-5 years of relevant experience, M.S. in specified study area plus 1 year of relevant experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Willing to assume responsibility for laboratory areas to meet all safety and security requirements.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude.
• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for all aspects of job assignments
• Demonstrate creative problem resolution.
• Meets client expectations in a timely fashion.
• Well organized and methodical, yet flexible to changing priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously either in structured or non-structured work environment.
• Maintain legible and logical laboratory records documentation.
• Proficiency in common software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and scientific data analysis software).
• Applicants MUST be U.S. Citizens and eligible to obtain a Department of Defense Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong foundation in molecular and cell biology with the ability to troubleshoot experiments and suggest alternative approaches.
• Technical background in both molecular and microbiological methods including titer flow and aseptic technique.
• Prior experience working in a high containment (biosafety level 3) laboratory.
• Experience working in a contract research organization (CRO) or diagnostics industry.